Save to Pinterest A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a creamy sauce, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
This is a go-to dish in my family for chilly evenings as it warms everyone up and fills the house with inviting aromas.
Ingredients
- Poultry: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.2 lbs/550 g) cut into bite-size pieces
- Rice: 1 cup (180 g) uncooked wild rice blend
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion finely chopped, 2 celery stalks diced, 2 medium carrots sliced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 cup (150 g) mushrooms sliced, 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
- Dairy & Broth: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup (240 ml) milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or sour cream, 1 cup (100 g) shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- Pantry & Spices: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- Topping: 1/2 cup (35 g) breadcrumbs or gluten-free crumbs, 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms for 5 6 minutes until softened. Add garlic cook 1 minute more.
- Step 3:
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until lightly browned but not cooked through, about 3 4 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Stir in wild rice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Step 5:
- In a large bowl, combine chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream or sour cream. Whisk to blend.
- Step 6:
- Add the sautéed chicken and vegetables mixture and frozen peas to the bowl. Stir well.
- Step 7:
- Pour everything into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 8:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over cheese layer.
- Step 9:
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
- Step 10:
- Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden and the rice is tender.
- Step 11:
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings my family together especially when served with a crisp white wine on the side for weekend dinners.
Notes
For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup sliced almonds to the topping. A dash of smoked paprika adds depth. Pairs well with a crisp Riesling or Chardonnay.
Required Tools
Large skillet, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, mixing bowls, whisk, aluminum foil
Allergen Information
Contains dairy wheat (if using regular breadcrumbs) and possible gluten (if broth or crumbs are not certified gluten-free). Always verify ingredient labels for allergens if unsure.
Save to Pinterest This chicken and wild rice bake combines ease with hearty flavors making it perfect for family meals any time of year.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different type of rice?
Wild rice brings a unique nutty flavor and chewy texture, but you can substitute with brown rice or a wild rice blend for a similar result.
- → How can I make the dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free chicken broth and substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs to keep it gluten-free.
- → What is the best way to brown the chicken evenly?
Cook chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil, stirring frequently until they are lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble all ingredients beforehand and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if refrigerated.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Riesling or Chardonnay complements the creamy texture and herb flavors, enhancing the overall meal experience.
- → Can I add nuts to the topping?
Adding sliced almonds to the breadcrumb topping provides extra crunch and a subtle nutty note if desired.